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[frankbmd]

There was a chubby nine year old kid, who was starting his 1956 Topps collection buying penny and nickel packs not far from home in Clearwater, FL.
In the spring of 1957 he got an autograph book and started going to Phillies spring training games after school. The elementary school was about a half mile from Jack Russell Stadium, where the Phillies were based in 1957. After school he rode his bike to the stadium and if the game was in the fourth inning or later, admission was free. After the game the kid would go to the visiting team's bus and solicit autographs from the players on their way from the locker room to the bus.

One day the Dodgers came from Vero Beach. After the game not one Dodger would sign for the kid on the way to the bus. The kid was dejected standing by the bus when a window opened and a voice was heard, "Hey kid, give me your book." Reluctantly the kid passed the book and ballpoint pen up to the open window. He then waited for what seemed like an eternity. He became convinced that the bus would leave and he would never see his book again.

Then the bus door closed and the engine started. Then the window opened and the book was returned. Imagine the kid's relief.

I still have that autograph book and can share some of what I found inside.















and another catcher



whose signature would change forever in less than a year.